April 20: TREASURE: From Tragedy to Trans Justice Mapping a Detroit Story film screening

Treasure: From Tragedy to Trans Justice Mapping a Detroit Story (63 min, 2015)

Treasure is a feature documentary about nineteen year old trans woman Shelly ‘Treasure’ Hilliard whose murder involved police coercion, Jim Crow drug laws, the criminalization of sex work and transphobia. It is about a young Detroit trans community activated by her death, and her family, who are suing for justice. Shelley’s family also emerge powerfully as complex human beings that defy the stereotyping fiction films typically dole out to African-Americans. Defying the typical story, Shelley was met with love and support from her mother and sisters after coming out as transgender. That they cherished her so makes the loss they feel all the more gut-wrenching.